Why Should I Scale And Polish My Teeth
Dental plaque and calculus harbour harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum inflammation. Regular scaling and polishing helps in several ways:
- Removes plaque before it hardens into calculus: brushing and flossing clear most plaque, but what's left behind hardens over time and can only be removed with professional cleaning.
- Clears plaque, calculus, and surface stains: restoring a brighter, fresher smile by removing build-up that dulls your teeth over time.
- Lets your dentist spot subtler problems early: during the visit, we can catch issues like leaky fillings or hairline cracks before they become bigger, costlier problems.
- Takes only minutes when done regularly: a simple, gentle procedure that goes a long way toward keeping your dental health on track long-term.
- Freshens your breath:Â bacteria trapped in plaque and tartar are a common cause of persistent bad breath, and removing them leaves your mouth noticeably fresher
The Process of Scaling and Polishing
During the routine dental visit, the dentist will first examine your oral condition, followed by scaling and polishing of the teeth.
1. Scaling
Scaling is the process of removing plaque and tartar around the teeth and along the gum line using an ultrasonic cleaning instrument. If left to accumulate, plaque and tartar will harbor bacteria that can cause decay and gum disease.
2. Root-Planing
Occasionally, deeper scaling using hand instruments is required to remove tartar attached to the root surfaces of gum diseased-teeth. Doing so will remove the bacteria that live in the gum pockets and encourage the gums to heal. This procedure is called Root-Planing. In such instances, appropriate local anesthetic will be given prior to cleaning to ensure maximum comfort.
3. Polishing
After scaling is completed, we then carry out polishing of the teeth to remove external stains and smooth out their surfaces. We can do this either by using a rotating brush with cleaning paste or an air-powder spray for tougher stains. The result of this is clean, smooth and glossy teeth that is easier for you to maintain at home.
What to Expect After Scaling and Polishing
Recovery from scaling and polishing is simple, but a few precautions in the first day help you get the most out of your visit.
- Avoid staining foods and drinks for 24 hours:Â coffee, tea, wine, and curry can re-stain freshly polished teeth before the surface fully settles.
- Mild sensitivity is normal: your teeth and gums may feel slightly sensitive to hot or cold for a day or two, especially after deeper cleaning or root planing.
- Skip smoking right after your visit:Â it can stain your teeth again quickly and slow gum healing if root planing was done.
- Keep up with brushing and flossing: this helps maintain the results and makes your next visit quicker and more comfortable.